What is a clef?

A clef is a crucial component of musical notation that designates the pitch of the notes on a staff. It serves as a reference point for musicians, ensuring that they understand what pitches correspond to each line and space of the staff. The most common clefs you may encounter are the treble clef and the bass clef, which determine the range of pitches that can be represented. The treble clef, for instance, indicates that the second line of the staff corresponds to the note G above middle C, while the bass clef indicates that the second line corresponds to the note F below middle C.

Understanding how clefs function is essential for reading sheet music, as they help performers interpret the written notes accurately. The other options provided do not align with the primary definition of a clef. Tempo and dynamic changes pertain to the performance aspects of music, while a musical interval relates to the distance between two pitches rather than indicating their specific locations on a staff.